There won’t be snow on the ground for many months, but the Rossford Convention and Visitors Bureau is sending out the invitation for their Christmas in July.
The event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 24 and 25.
“This event was conceived as a fundraiser for the Edward Ford Memorial Park,” said Beth Genson, director of the Rossford CVB. “And the idea just snowballed–pun intended!”
The highlight of the weekend is a 5K race/walk commencing near the park at the corner of Dixie Highway and Elm Street.
It will take runners through downtown Rossford and into the surrounding neighborhoods and then winding back to Ford Park for a festive celebration.
“You don’t have to be a runner to be involved,” she noted. “Sign up for the race to receive a Christmas in July T-shirt, pizza buffet at Reset and a portion of your registration fee will benefit the Edward Ford Memorial Fund.”
Free activities open to the public will include a Christmas in July parade, a Christmas decorating contest along the race route, a Party in the Parking Lot at Reset and a Party in the Park at Edward Ford Memorial Park.
Festivities begin Saturday in the Crossroads with onsite registration and package pick-up for racers at Total Sports from noon to 4 p.m. Games and activities will be available for children as well as tours of the facility.
Runners will receive a Christmas in July race T-shirt and a pizza and pop buffet at Reset from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday.
A Party in the Parking Lot is open to the public at Reset from 6 to 10 p.m. with a live concert by the popular Nashville band, Mustang Sally.
Food trucks will be available along with fun activities at Reset, including a tiki bar, sand volleyball courts, cornhole, duckpin bowling, golf simulators and free vintage arcade games for patrons.
On Sunday morning, the 5K race/walk kicks off, followed by a Christmas in July parade that will follow the race participants back to the park from Eagle Point School.
Homes and businesses along the parade route can participate in a Christmas in July decorating contest that will be judged by the runners.
A Party in the Park will follow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday featuring food trucks, vendors, live music, crafts for kids and ice carving demonstrations.
A portion of the race registration fee and all vendor fees as well as sponsor donations will benefit the Edward Ford Park Memorial Fund.
Participants in the run/ walk should wear festive holiday attire, and $5 of every registration is being donated to the fund. The race is being operated by Run Toledo.
Mrs. Genson explained that the fund will help restore the history of Rossford to the park as well as provide amenities and activities throughout the year.
“The Christmas in July committee is still working on some surprises for the weekend that will be announced at a future date,” she added.
To register for the Christmas in July race, parade, decorating contest or a vendor booth, visit the Rossford CVB website at visitrossford ohio.com.
Participants can register for the race/walk through July 24 with in-person registration at Total Sports. For all other activities, register by July 11.